SMS Marketing Guide
SMS has a 98% open rate and a 36% click rate. Email does not come close. Here is how to set it up without getting sued.
SMS marketing for eCommerce is the highest-engagement channel available. 98% open rate. 36% click rate. Messages read within 3 minutes on average. But the compliance requirements are strict — TCPA in the US can fine $500-$1,500 per message. GDPR adds requirements in Europe.
This guide covers the Klaviyo SMS setup from consent collection through revenue measurement. Every step is compliance-first because getting SMS wrong is not just ineffective — it is a legal liability.
98%
SMS Open Rate
36%
SMS Click Rate
$1,500
Per Message TCPA Fine
Gold
Klaviyo Partner
How to fix this — step by step
Configure Klaviyo SMS with compliant consent
Enable SMS in Klaviyo settings. Create a separate SMS consent form with required TCPA disclosures: what messages they will receive, frequency, data rates apply, and how to opt out. Consent must be explicit and documented.
Build SMS-specific signup flows
SMS consent is separate from email consent. Add SMS opt-in to your popup (as a separate checkbox, not bundled with email). Add SMS consent at checkout. Collect phone numbers with explicit SMS permission.
Start with 3 core SMS flows
Cart abandonment (1 hour after), welcome SMS (after opt-in), and shipping notification. These three generate the most SMS revenue with the least risk of over-messaging.
Set frequency limits
Maximum 4-6 SMS per month to any subscriber. SMS fatigue hits faster than email fatigue. Reserve texts for high-value moments: cart recovery, flash sales, VIP early access, and back-in-stock.
Track revenue and compliance
Klaviyo tracks SMS revenue attribution. Monitor revenue per message, opt-out rate, and compliance health. If opt-out rate exceeds 3% per campaign, reduce frequency immediately.
Want us to handle this?
SMS is the highest-engagement marketing channel — when set up with proper compliance. The legal requirements are strict but manageable. And the revenue per subscriber from SMS often exceeds email.
As a Klaviyo Gold Partner, we set up SMS alongside email for eCommerce brands. Compliance-first, revenue-focused.
Questions our best clients asked first
Add the highest-engagement channel to your marketing
Free SMS assessment. We will review your compliance readiness, estimate the revenue opportunity, and outline the setup.
Pick a Time15 minutes. No pitch deck. Just your data and our honest take.
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